Seb Needs Backing Says McLeish

Sebastian Larsson is to stay with Birmingham for the rest of the season says the boss, he has also called for fans to get behind the Swede and not boo him in tonight`s Carling Cup semi final tie.

Larsson will be out of contract in the summer but Birmingham have decided that they will not be selling during the transfer window, even though there has been plenty of interest in the player.

But now the former Arsenal trainee will remain at St Andrew’s for the next five months.

Larsson was booed by City fans when he came on as a second-half substitute during Saturday’s 5-0 mauling by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

McLeish said: ‘The stick Seb got was disappointing. I would like to think the fans will not jeer Seb. It is the way football is in the modern day. I don’t think there is a great desire for Seb to leave the club but he has got to do what is right for him and his family. We must respect that and I’d love the fans to give him a rousing reception if he is playing.

‘I’ve worked with guys on the verge of a Bosman transfer before and they down the tools – but Seb wants to play football. He has made that clear to me and it lets him escape from the madness that is surrounding his contract talks and the future.’

McLeish added: ‘Is Larsson here for the rest of season? Yes. There will be nothing happening in the next few days. It is great. It means another strong player in the squad.’